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U-M LB Jabrill Peppers' Walter Camp honor no surprise to teammates

Michigan's star tight end and linebacker/punt returner field questions after the 45-28 win Saturday in Ann Arbor. Video by Mark Snyder/DFP

Michigan's Jabrill Peppers gets a smile and handshake from head coach Jim Harbaugh after Peppers' touchdown against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov 7, 2015, in Ann Arbor.(Photo: Julian H. Gonzalez, DFP)

But among those who do, it would be stunning to see another who is also fourth in the nation in punt returns, averaging 21.6 yards per return, boosted by Saturday’s 54-yard punt return touchdown.

He also chipped in on offense with a few carries. He had two for 24 yards in a role that likely will grow.

On Sunday, Peppers joined Oklahoma State’s James Watson as the Walter Camp FBS players of the week.

While the college football world is starting to take notice after his punt return gave him a signature play, his teammates have watched for years.

“That’s how he’s real special,” nose tackle Ryan Glasgow said. “He can do something one time and know it like the back of his hand. … This (game) is something you know that Jabrill can do every day or every game. He brought it out when we needed it most, and he elevated the play of everyone around him.”

It seems excessive for one player to handle all that, but Peppers learned to prepare himself.

Michigan wide receiver Grant Perry (9) and safety Tyree Kinnel (23) celebrate a special teams touchdown by Perry after Michigan blocked a Colorado punt attempt in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Tony Ding, AP

Michigan tight end Michael Jocz, second left, blocks a punt by Colorado punter Alex Kinney, right, in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The resulting loose ball was picked up by Michigan for a touchdown. Tony Ding, AP

Defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon of the Colorado Buffaloes breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Amara Darboh of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Duane Burleson, Getty Images

Quarterback Wilton Speight of the Michigan Wolverines is pressured by Rick Gamboa of the Colorado Buffaloes while trying to pass the ball during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Duane Burleson, Getty Images

Linebacker Addison Gillam of the Colorado Buffaloes knocks tight end Jake Butt of the Michigan Wolverines out of bounds during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Duane Burleson, Getty Images

Devin Ross of the Colorado Buffaloes catches a touchdown pass in front of safety Dymonte Thomas of the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Duane Burleson, Getty Images

Michigan wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown, joined by fullback Khalid Hill (80), in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Tony Ding, AP

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady looks on from the sideline in the first quarter of the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports

Former Michigan and currently suspended New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, shares a laugh with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, before an NCAA college football game against Colorado at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Tony Ding, AP

Former Michigan and currently suspended New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws the football on the field before an NCAA college football game against Colorado at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Tony Ding, AP

Quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots plays catch with head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Duane Burleson, Getty Images

Quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots laughs with head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines after they played catch before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Duane Burleson, Getty Images

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh pass the ball around during warm ups prior to the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 17. Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports

“Practice is harder than the games, because I’m bouncing around so much,” he said. “I take practice as almost conditioning, so when I get out here things slow down for me. I get breaks when the offense is out there. The special-team units that I’m not on, I get those breaks. In practice, I don’t get those breaks. The level of exhaustion in practice is definitely greater than the games.”

Peppers is the sixth Wolverine since 2004 and the first U-M defensive player since Brandon Herron in 2011 to win the Camp honor.

Peppers’ fire kept U-M going when it was trailing three times in the game.

“When you’re tired, it’s what do I got to do, Coach, to get this ‘W,’” Peppers said. “You dig deep. That’s why you fill your well in camp. Because when it’s time to go back in that well and pull something out, if you haven’t filled that well the way you were supposed to, there will be nothing there. But luckily we were pushed to limits we couldn’t even imagine, and we dug deep and pulled out the victory.”